There's nothing more relaxing after a long day than sitting in your very own spa or hot tub. A hot tub can soothe away the stress of everyday worries as well as the aches that sometimes come from physical activity. After work or after play, you can't beat the feeling of relaxing in a hot tub. With all of the choices in hot tubs, you may be unsure about which hot tub to choose. This hot tub buying guide will help you narrow your options and find the hot tub that is right for you.
Whether it's for your family, for social gatherings or just for you at the end of a long day, a hot tub is an excellent addition to your home. Unlike jetted tubs inside your house, a hot tub lets you enjoy nature while you soak. Adding a hot tub to your deck or patio is a home improvement you'll be glad you made.
Spas: The terms "spa" and "hot tub" are often used interchangeably. Since the rise in popularity of day spas and destination spas (places where people receive treatments such as facials and massages), the term "hot tub" has become the preferred term for many people who are referring to the bubbling tub of water. Both terms are correct.
Jacuzzi: Although "Jacuzzi" is often used to refer to any tub with massaging jets, Jacuzzi is a trademarked brand name and should only be used to refer to products made by Jacuzzi, Inc.
Ozonators: Ozone generators, also known as "ozonators," are handy devices which draw oxygen into the spa water and turn it into ozone, which helps keep the water clean. Many hot tubs include ozonators, and others can support the addition of one later.
Hydrotherapy: This form of physical therapy uses water to aid in healing. Since ancient times, it has been believed that hot water helps increase circulation. The jet streams of water in hot tubs also give massage therapy.
There are a few things you'll need to consider when selecting your hot tub. You'll need to decide which factors matter most to you and decide how those factors work with your budget.
Type of hot tubs
There are two kinds of hot tubs: portable spas and permanent spas. Portable spas are self-contained and sit above ground; almost all hot tubs you can buy online are portable spas. Permanent spas are built in-ground and are usually made of a material such as cement, which is poured in, like an in-ground pool.
Capacity
Hot tubs can hold a certain number of people; the capacity will be listed in the product description. Make sure to get a hot tub that is large enough to hold everyone you want it to. For example, if you have six people in your family, you may be disappointed with a hot tub that only holds four people.
Location
Before you choose a hot tub, decide where you want to place it. Most people like to have their hot tubs on a deck or patio, but the most important thing is to find a spot that is close to an electrical outlet and is level and sturdy enough to hold a hot tub full of water. Be sure to measure the area where you want to put the hot tub and choose one that will fit there, and consider how much walking room you'll need around it.
Appearance
Hot tubs are available with different interiors and exteriors. Choose a color and style that will be pleasing to you and that will look nice in your backyard. Of course, if there is a hot tub that is perfect for you except for the exterior, you can place potted plants around the outside to camouflage it a bit.
Jets
If you are concerned with the amount of massaging power that a hot tub has, you'll want to choose a hot tub with the highest number of jets that you can find. Many hot tub jets are adjustable; you'll want the jets to point at your major muscle groups to get the most out of the hydrotherapy.
Extras
All hot tubs should have a cover to keep the heat inside, and many people prefer a locking cover. Use a locking cover when you need to keep people out of your hot tub, such as small children. Hot tubs with aromatherapy add another type of therapy to the experience; if fragrance is important to you, you may enjoy this feature. Hot tubs which feature waterfalls can be very attractive, and the splashing sound can be very soothing.
With just a little care, your home spa will last for years, bringing you relaxation and fun the whole time. Advancements in hot tub technology have made them easier than ever to maintain, and you'll want to pick up spa maintenance supplies, such as chlorine or bromine, while you are online shopping. Most portable spas have a filter that can be rinsed clean and reused many times. Be sure to get a cover for your hot tub to protect it from leaves and other debris, as well as from sun damage.
Occasionally, you'll need to do some exterior care. If your hot tub has a wood cabinet, you'll want to keep it stained and sealed just like a deck or fence. Most hot tub cabinets are made out of some sort of synthetic material; you can usually just hose these off to keep them clean. If the cover for your hot tub is made out of vinyl, you may want to use a vinyl conditioner on it a few times a year to prevent cracking.
Is it true that there are health benefits to hot tubs?
A hot tub's hydrotherapy jets can massage away all the tension from your muscles. The warm spa water helps lower your heart rate and loosen your stiff joints. Studies have even shown how 15 minutes in a hot tub every evening (about 90 minutes before bedtime) can help you have deeper, more restful sleep without the side effects of other sleep aides.
Are there any hazards I should be concerned about?
There are a few things to be aware of. Like any pool or tub, there is a risk of drowning. Additionally, it is not recommended that pregnant women, very young children or people with certain health conditions (such as heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes) use hot tubs. The heat of hot tubs can lead to dizziness, but this can generally be avoided if the time spent in a hot tub is limited to 30 to 45 minutes and if alcohol is not consumed while in a hot tub. Many people are also concerned that the warm, wet environment of hot tubs creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, but this can be avoided by cleaning and maintaining your hot tub properly. All hot tub hazards can be avoided with common sense, including the supervision of children and conscientious cleaning.
Will shipping cost more when I buy a large item, such as a hot tub, from Overstock.com?
No, you still get our low shipping price of $2.95, no matter how large of an item--or how many items--you are buying. However, you will want to read our Oversized Item Delivery Policy, as there may be restrictions as to where we can deliver hot tubs.
Creating an oasis
With the discounts on hot tubs at Overstock.com, you can easily afford to turn your whole backyard into a spa retreat. Add to the look with garden décor. Surround your hot tub with wind chimes and plants on stands. Finish it all off with an outdoor rug. Remember that when you have it all shipped together, you'll save even more money.
Everything for your hot tub
Unlike tubs inside your home, you'll probably need swimwear for your hot tub. Why not pick up something just for use in your new hot tub? Many hot tub owners also find that they like to have a separate set of towels to use after a soak because of the chemicals in the water. You'll find the perfect set of towels to use with your hot tub here on Overstock.com. Choose hot tub towels to coordinate with your garden décor or your new swimwear.
Indoors and out
Whether you are unsure about having a hot tub outside or you want to continue the relaxation inside your home, you'll love the jetted tubs, saunas and steam rooms here on Overstock.com. With our low prices, you can afford to have bubbles, jets and steam in your bathroom and on your deck.